Chelonarium lecontei
This record describes Chelonarium lecontei (species). Recorded family: Chelonariidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. J.C. Abbott, 1996 usually taken at lights, but also in Malaise traps and by sweeping/beating, especially at night; sometimes in tree holes
Identification notes
Det. J.C. Abbott, 1996
Wikipedia reference for Chelonarium lecontei: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chelonarium_lecontei.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Dryopoidea
- Family
- Chelonariidae (Turtle Beetles)
- Genus
- Chelonarium
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se US, AZ (VA-FL to e.OK-e.TX) / Bahamas - Map (Dajoz 1988)
Seasonal Activity
Jun-Jul (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Evans states that larvae unknown , but Ciegler says that "larvae of Chelonarium lecontei are semiaquatic and live in damp moss or in water". Böving describes and illustrates the larva:
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chelonarium lecontei Thomson 1867
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chelonarium lecontei. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Chelonarium lecontei (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , Graham M , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Chelonarium lecontei
What is Chelonarium lecontei?
Chelonarium lecontei is a species in the family Chelonariidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Chelonarium lecontei?
7-8 mm
How do you identify Chelonarium lecontei?
Det. J.C. Abbott, 1996
Where is Chelonarium lecontei found?
Range: se US, AZ (VA-FL to e.OK-e.TX) / Bahamas - Map (Dajoz 1988)
When is Chelonarium lecontei active?
Chelonarium lecontei: seasonal activity - Jun-Jul (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Chelonarium lecontei?
Evans states that larvae unknown , but Ciegler says that larvae of Chelonarium lecontei are semiaquatic and live in damp moss or in water. Böving describes and illustrates the larva: